10 Cars and a Truck Rated Best in Class for 2014

Consumer Reports has revealed its best cars for 2014, perhaps one of the most anticipated automotive reports to be released each year. To make the cut, the vehicles in question — which have been subjected to Consumer Reports’ battery of tests — “must rank at or near the top of its class in our overall test score.”

Each car must score an average or better reliability rating, which is based on the problems that Consumer‘s subscribers reported on 1.1 million vehicles in the latest Annual Auto Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, the publication said. Furthermore, Top Picks must also perform adequately if included in crash or rollover tests conducted by the government or insurance industry.

Here are the ten leaders in their respective categories, as chosen by Consumer Reports. The price reflected is the price that the publication paid at the point of purchase, and notably reflect a well-appointed model that includes options. Readers should keep in mind that the cars can be had for less, and that the results are based on the priced-as-tested models.

10. Pickup Truck: Ram 1500

Consumer Reports called the Ram (FIATY.PK) 1500′s 2013 refresh “refined and inviting,” and that the Ram’s coil-spring rear suspension, which is unique for full-sized pickups, makes the 1500 “the most comfortable-riding truck.” As tested, the Ram weighed in at $42,810, definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum (it starts at $24,385); Consumer Reports said that although the Silverado outscored the Ram in testing, its reliability is so far unknown, but it added that the 1500′s 5.7 liter V8 delivered “effortless power” while still returning a decent 15 miles per gallon.